.. The bill requires checks for all sales — including most private sales — but with an exception for sales between family, friends, “neighbors,” and “other individuals.” Who qualifies as a “neighbor” or “other individual” for these purposes ? Stay tuned . Erick Erickson hears from a source that the bill might also allow doctors to red-flag a patient in the national background-check database without telling them if he suspects that patient of being mentally ill. That could lead to unintended consequences, starting with some mentally ill people refusing to seek treatment for fear of being entered into a federal registry, but there’s no confirmation yet that it’s true. Something to look for once the text of the bill is released . ..

[-] politics — Manchin may not be seeking to divide the GOP , but the rest of his party would , in a heartbeat , if they could get away with it . ..

[-] Mental Health — I suffer from clinical depression . I take antidepressants , and I should feel comfortable sharing what I want with my doctor , without it affecting my 2nd Amendment rights . Right now , I do not want a gun , nor need one . Someday , that may change . When it does (not if) , I should not have to worry that my doctor will grossly violate my doctor – patient confidentiality to block me from being able to get a gun . .. The mental health implications of this are extremely disturbing , and get at just how difficult it has become to deal with mental illness . Most folks are capable of owning a firearm . Some are not . And , as Allahpundit notes , including too much mental health info in gun purchases can lead to people not getting treatment they actually need, out of fear that seeking help will go on some permanent record to deny them their rights . Believe you me , I understand